Karla's Korner

The "Beautiful Baby" has arrived!

I told you a few days ago that I was working on the "Blessed Baby" collection and I was. But in the process of putting it together, I changed my mind... and the name... to "Beautiful Baby" Clip Art Collection... and I love it!

Too cute... I can hardly wait to start creating some sweet baby things myself. For more details of what's included in this kit just visit my Shoppe and let me know what you think!

Bless you my friends... xoxoxo

A Morning Glory Gathering...

This is a beautiful example of a "Morning Glory Gathering"!  This is a table setting from "Every Woman's Grace" Spring Luncheon, held at Grace Community Church, Sun Valley,CA  on May 21, 2008. It's so inviting, isn't it?  A couple of things I really love about this is the use of paper plates and plastic cups... a fun and beautiful setting doesn't have to be fine china and glass. And I LOVE the white picket fence down the center of the table... short enough not to block the view of the women across from you, simple to do, and just downright CHARMING!  Carolyn wanted to use more of the art from the  "Morning Glory Garden" Clip Art Kit but I just couldn't get it finished in time but you'll see she was able to use a little here and there.

This is Carolyn's assistant leader and she told me, "I have given my assistant leader almost all of your books now, and she has given me most of your cards. We always try to find new "Karla" items to surprise each other with. It's one of the joys we have serving the Lord together and serving our women." You two did a great job... thank you for sharing your inspiration and heart for ministry with us through your photos!

These are the women who were seated at Carolyn's table... I love how the fence created a frame that says it all... in the garden with the God of glory!  I feel like I already know these ladies... isn't that one of the great thing about being sisters in Christ! Thanks again Carolyn for sharing your love for the Lord and your love for other women with them... and us!!  Bless your heart!

I hope you've been inspired... I know I have.  I can see setting up a little fence like that on the island in my kitchen as a backdrop for my buffet serving dishes. And I love how the seed packet is sticking up out of the little pail... of course I would want to use my own! teehee. It's just so wonderful to see how using a color theme can be so dramatic and beautiful... even in plastic and paper! If you are in Women's Ministry and considering a "Morning Glory Gathering" you might want to bookmark this as a reference for next spring and also know that the "Morning Glory Garden" Clip Art Kit is a great resource with lots of useful art to help you promote your event as well as create table settings and favors. I will soon be adding a Tea Party Printables Kit to coordinate as well as other helpful ideas.

But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

Psalms 3:3

Father God thank You for being a shield around me... my protector against the enemy and the keeper of my heart, thoughts, and life both now and eternally. You are my glory Lord... there is nothing I desire more than You. Thank You for reaching down from heaven when I am downcast and focused on the things of this earth... and with the tender touch of Your Spirit you lift my chin to look up and see You... high and lifted up above all the world... and the things of this earth do grow strangely dim when my eyes are on You! Be glorified Lord... in me and through me... amen.

Free for a Week... Morning Glory Print

I thought I would show you the "Morning Glory" plaque that Val will be receiving as part of her prize for winning the June contest!  This verse has been such a foundational measure for how I want to live my life... and I know this is your hearts desire as well... to glorify the Lord in all you do, say and are.  So... I decided to offer you the print I used to create this plaque as a freebie for one week from today. Next week it will be included in the Morning Glory Garden Printables Kit... so you'll still be able to get it, just not free!

I love having these kind of wall hangings as subtle reminders of God's truths... so if you do too... just download this print and either mount it to a square plaque or mat and frame it.

The print measures 8"x8" and if you don't have a source for blank plaques let me know... my hubby is my source and he said he would cut a few extra for you if you'd like. If you do... they will be $4.00 each for this size and you can just send me an email and will make arrangements.

Have fun and God bless you as you do whatever you do... all to the glory of God!

And the Morning Glory Contest Winner is...

22-7!!  The first number Michael drew out of the hat was 22... so that narrowed it down to 7 potential winners who commented on June 22.  So he drew again... and Val "4boys" won being the 7th commenter on the 22nd.

CONGRATULATIONS VAL...
YOU JUST WON THE MORNING GLORY COLLECTION!

Val said, "I just love coming to see your amazing creativity and the tremendous way that you express it. Thank you for including us in your wonderful creations."

I want you to know Val... I am so blessed to know that the creativity I have is a gift from God and I love sharing with you... you are why I do what I do!  I'm just sooooo grateful for all of you who allow me to be a part of your lives! Bless you all!

I do want to thank everyone who entered this month's contest and for all your kind words and wonderful encouragements especially regarding the new blogstore. And a big hug and blessing... to all the who have purchased clip art from Karla's Korner Shoppe... the store opened with great success... all because of you!!  xoxoxo  Love you!

Summer Has Arrived and Babies are Coming

We went from a chilly wet spring to a blistery hot summer almost overnight... from highs in the 60's to over 100 yesterday depending on where you were! So now the challenge is not to complain about having too much sunshine and heat!!

A PEEK into MY BACKYARD

I spent the cooler morning hours yesterday working outside and thought you might enjoy a peek at some of the God's beauty that's growing out my back door.

This is a newly created bed of necessity... that concrete circle under the bird bath is the lid to to our septic which we had to work around when we poured the new patio last fall. I finally got around to planting it and must say the birds like it already!

I love our little rock wall... great for contrast in texture and moss... and I love moss... in the right places! The daisies are wild but I have to leave a few in the beds every year just for fun.

Love this rose... the deer won't eat and it's gorgeous!

These daylilies are just so stately.

A THOUGHT TO PONDER

Does this photo not just shout... "Be still and know that I am God"? It does to me... I can hear God calling out... "stop your work and come sit with Me... be quiet and rest... delight not only in the beauty of my creation but delight in my love for you. Know that I am God... your God... sovereign over all creation... and sovereign over your life. You can trust Me... rest in Me... let stillness find its place in your heart and thoughts. I am the One who holds all your tomorrows in the palm of my hand... I am "

SNEAK PREVIEW

 Just wanted to let you know I've also been working on my next clip art kit... "Baby Blessings" using some of the art from my book "HeavenSent Baby". Here's a sneak peak...

I'm already thinking of all the possibilities, not only for scrapbooking, but for baby showers and gift-giving... you should be seeing the "Baby Blessings" Collection a little later this week!

Dear Lord,
You are an awesome God... full of mercy and grace.  Remind us to take time today to simply be still and think about just how great You are. Remind us too, that no matter what our circumstances are or what we hear in the news, You are God and You are sovereign and we are Yours. Help us to rest in You. Amen.

Let's Have a "Set Free" Tea Party

I don't want to make you tired of this design but July is right around the corner and I have been having so much fun designing... or should I say "redesigning" this wonderful "Set Free" Tea Party Collection! I softened up the 4th of July theme with a soft buttery yellow, a few well place swirls and added a floral accent... perfect for a proper ladies tea! If you have the gift of hospitality and would enjoy hosting a tea party during the month of July, this is a perfect reason to do it. Not only will you be gathering some friends around your table for fellowship but you can use the "Set Free" theme to encourage their hearts and remind them of their freedom in Christ or invite them to experience it for themselves! And I'm planning on adding a "Set Free" devotional and get-to-know-each-other questions here soon.

The fabulous thing about this collection is that it is also compatible with the 4th of July Party Kit. So you could use the pinwheels and banners to add to the decorations. You might want to consider sticking the larger stars and/or pinwheels into a pot of red geraniums for a more feminine touch, but the quart makes for a quick and easy centerpiece as well. I filled mine with rice so I could position my stars and pinwheels where I wanted them.

I'm hoping to be able to host my own "Set Free" Tea Party and make it a patio party... weather permitting! I keep imagining a plate full of sandwiches cut out with star cookie cutters!  Doesn't that sound fun!  And of course, I'll have to bake cupcakes just so I can put those tiny little stars in the tops of them like I did in the photo for the 4th of July party. I think I'll change out the colored frosting for white with coconut or I just discovered some glittery sparkles from Wiltons I might have to try. Too cute!  If I come up with any other suggestions as I plan my own party, I'll be sure to let you know and if you have any... please share... I can use all the help I can get!!

If you're interested in knowing what all those fun items are that are in the kit, including a close up of the scripture card holder and teabag envelope, or if you're interested  in purchasing the "Set Free" Tea Party Collection please pop over to Karla's Korner Shoppe and take a look!

"You are from God, little children, and have overcome them;
because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world."
1 John 4:4

Lord Jesus, you said as we "know the truth and the truth will set us free" and I thank You for this great truth that is not only a promise, but holds the potential to be life transforming. You are in me... in us, your daughters... and You are greater in every way than the enemy that seeks to keep us captive to lies, bondage to bad attitudes and dependent on destructive behaviors. Lord God, You've also promised that as we submit to You and resist the devil, He must flee. Father, write this truth on my heart as I meditate on it and bring it to my mind when I need it so that I may continue to be set free and live the life You died to give me. Amen.

Contest Drawing Date Extended

Just a quick note to let you know that I have extended the date for the June drawing a few extra days. I was actually supposed to do the drawing today but because I just sent out my newsletter, and since I know many of those ladies do not keep up on my blog, I want to give them a chance to get in on the fun as well!

So the new drawing date will be next Monday... June 30th. You could look at it like a second chance just in case you missed the opportunity before or wanted to broaden your chances!

In fact, many of you have left the most encouraging comments about my new digital art kits... and I'd love to your ideas of what kind of themes you'd like me to consider in the coming days and months. I already have a lengthy list so your ideas might jive with mine or maybe God has an idea that He needs to give me through you!!

Bless you all!

Ready To Party!!

It has been so much fun designing this collection of printable crafts and party favors, not only because I just love creating, but because the 4th of July is my youngest granddaughter's birthday!  So I created this collection with her birthday party in mind and I KNOW she's going to love it! And I hope you do too! 

If you're planning a 4th of July party, picnic or bbq at your house and want to add a touch of fun in an economical way, you can find the "Set Free" Party Collection and Quick Pages over at Karla's Korner Shoppe!

A FREEBIE FOR YOU...

The stars that are crowning the cupcakes are double sided and glued onto toothpicks... isn't that fun! Those little stars and the ones on the skewers in the quart can are my 4th of July FREEBIE gift to you... hope you can use them in some way for your own celebration!

A CRAFTY IDEA...

And I thought I would share with you that I used one of the Quik Page Layouts to create the "plaque" on the easel in the center of the photo above. The text box is blank so you can insert any phrase or message you like, so I put in "Happy Birthday Jessica!", added her photo and decoupaged the printed 8"x8" Quik Page to a deep edge artists' canvas I picked up at our local Craft Warehouse. After it was dry, I sanded down the edges and lightly added some distressing ink to the edges and sides of the canvas. I haven't put a finish on it yet but will most likely either use either modpodge or a matte acrylic spray. I like the modpodge because you can give it a brush stroke texture so we'll see. I think she'll like it.

A THOUGHT TO PONDER...

I have continued to ponder our freedom in Christ and what that means to me personally. I cannot express the depth of gratitude I have to God for the things He has already set me free from... addictions, anger, attitudes... unbelief, unforgiveness, ungratefulness... and set me free to... live, love and laugh... hope, healing, and heaven! We have been set free from the bondage of sin and death and set free to live a life of loving God and others through Christ.

"...to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners..."
Isaiah 61:2

Heavenly Father,
Praise You Lord for sending Jesus to not only proclaim freedom but to truly release us from the darkness of our sins and ourselves. I thank You for all the ways, big and small, in which you have set me free and rejoice to know You're not done with me yet and that You will not give up on me until I am with You in heaven. May I never take my freedom for granted... either here on earth or in the Spirit... and I pray You remind me when I do. Amen.

Grand Opening Today! Hallelujah!

I am so excited to announce the Grand Opening of my new BLOGSTORE... Karla's Korner Shoppe! Check it out... faith-based digital art to help you express your love for God and others in fun and creative ways!

I'm opening the doors to this new outreach adventure with three Clip Art Collections for you to use in creating personal scrapbook pages, printable crafts and as theme ideas for your Women's Ministry Events or home gatherings.  I know it doesn't seem like much, but in the days to come I will be adding more collections, my own printable crafts, as well as devotionals and resources for you to use in making Heartfelt Hospitality a more creative part of your life.

Enough said... please go visit Karla's Korner Shoppe and let me know what you think!

Thinking Ahead to the 4th of July!

This is a miracle you know... for me to think ahead this early for the 4th of July...

...but I really was trying to think ahead and wanted to share this color book page with you so you'd have it in plenty of time for the holiday.  Download and print it as many times as you need to for your own kids, grandkids, the kids who are coming to your house for BBQ on the 4th, or for your classroom or Sunday School.  If you know of anyone who might benefit from this, please pass it on or link to this post on your blog.

The real inspiration for the color book page came from one of the Clip Art Collections that I'm introducing on Monday in my new BlogStore... it was created with the 4th of July in mind. I love the visuals of the stars and stripes and am so thankful to live in our great nation. Even with all its impurities and imperfections... I can think of no other place I'd rather live... unless of course, God sent me!! LOL!

June "Morning Glory" Giveaway!

To celebrate the grand opening of my new BlogStore, Karla's Korner Shoppe, this coming Monday, I wanted to have a CONTEST you could celebrate with me! One of the digital clip art kits I'll be offering in the store will be the Morning Glory Garden Collection, so I thought how wonderful it would be to give a collection of Morning Glory products in celebration... since God gets all the glory for this new ministry based business.

So what all will you win... if you win? Over $100.00 in GLORIOUS GIFTS!!  The winner will receive in the mail... 1 Down a Garden Path book (which is where the Morning Glory artwork first began!), 1 Morning Glory Accordion File Folder, 1 Morning Glory Photo Album, 1 Morning Glory Garden Flag, 1 Morning Glory Photo Frame, 1 Morning Glory Wall Plaque (not in photo), and 1 Set of Morning Glory Greeting Cards (also not in the photo).

So just like always, to enter the contest simply leave a comment on any blog post between now and June 23rd... I just love hearing from you!  For every time you post, your name will be entered... sweet.  I will post the winner's name on June 23rd by 5:00 pm pst.

God Uses the National Enquirer!

I guess if God can speak through a donkey... surely He can use whatever vehicle He chooses to declare His Name and promote His gospel!  I've never bought a National Enquirer but I was glad that a friend of mine did buy this edition... check this out...

I know you can't read it and I admit I didn't research to find out anything about Joel's faith but what made my friend email me with this article is the photo of my "HeavenSent Baby" book in the center of the article and even though Joel calls it a children's book, here's what it says...

Okay... is that cool or what?  And in the National Enquirer!!  He reads her scripture!! Wow!

Please pray for Nicole to find Jesus... HE LOVES HER... and baby girl Harlow!  And nothing is too big for God!  Joel may not look like the "typical" Christian but only God knows His heart and I'm believing God has a great plan for Him in the days to come! It's got to be tough being a celebrity and wanting to follow Jesus... they need all the prayer they can get!

"For with God nothing will be impossible."
Luke 1:37

Almighty God... Creator of the universe and Savior of all mankind... Nicole needs You Father... her life has been full of torment and trouble and she needs Your forgiveness and the power of the Holy Spirit in her life. Open her eyes to see how beautiful You are and how deep and wide Your love for her truly is. We ask for her salvation Lord and we know that nothing is too hard for You. Bless her and baby Harlow and Joel... reveal Yourself and Your will to them and use them in the coming days as witnesses to all the world.

Karla's Korner Shoppe Grand Opening Coming Soon!

As much as I'd like to be out in the garden planting corn and beans, I am just as excited about the seeds I'm busy planting right now in the garden of my new digital download blogstore... Karla's Korner Shoppe... which will be opening soon! My heart is happy!

At the same time... I am so disappointed I was not able to offer the Morning Glory Clip Art Kit the first of May like I had hoped, but there ended up being a whole lot more to setting up a digital download store than I had expected. I spent a great deal of time trying to be able to offer downloads through my existing webstore but just couldn't make it work... almost to the point of tears!  But not to the point of giving up.  So I found a solution through Typepad and am presently designing the layout and adding product... sorta like painting the walls and stocking the shelves!

I decided I wanted my Grand Opening to have more than just one kit, so it will most likely be next week before I open my digital doors and invite you in... I only hope you find it worth the wait!

May the seeds of God's glory grow deep in your hearts and produce a crop of reverence and awe!  Lord bless you and keep you!